Deadly Driving Habits Can Be Avoided

Swerving is the leading cause of road accidents in the US. Though it may seem safe to drive out of your lane to move into the adjacent lane or to get off the road, it can prove to be a fatal mistake if you do not follow all the rules of traffic and safety driving at the time of doing the same. As per the car accident statistics provided by ANSV for the year 2007, nearly 15,574 people were killed in car accidents caused by changing of lanes.

Failing To Buckle-Up. The seatbelt has long been an under-appreciated feature in most automobiles. Drivers and passengers, both young and old have failed to take advantage of the safety harnesses that nearly every vehicle comes equipped with. While not snapping a seatbelt in place does not make a driver more prone to having an accident, it does have the ability to dramatically increase the severity of the injuries that arise from a collision. Properly securing child passengers is an essential step as well. For every 100 children who are involved in fatal automobile accidents, as many as 80 children might survive the accident if they are properly secured in an age and size-appropriate harness or child seat.

Driving while intoxicated is the fourth most dangerous car accident mistakes in the US that accounts for approximately 60% traffic fatalities every year. A person can be affected by alcohol even if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is within the legal limit.

The second most common and dangerous car accident mistake that you should avoid is getting behind the wheel when tired or sleepy. It is in fact more perilous than drunk driving and caused the death of 1,404 people in the year 2007. Thus, fatigued driver pose more danger to themselves as well as to others on the road than those who drive under the influence of alcohol.

Failing To Maintain Key Vehicle Features. Even the most reliable drivers become poor drivers when the cars that they ride in begin to fall apart. Unfortunately, some people lack the resources or the drive to perform essential forms of car maintenance and repairs. These are often the same individuals who leave shreds of rubber and steel on the freeway after their tires have blown. Because of this and many other reasons, driving with bad brakes, bald tires or other mechanical issues is also among the most dangerous driving mistakes that motorists can make. Some sources attest that as many as 13% of all automobile accidents involve vehicles that are under-maintained, especially in the areas of tires and brakes.